Between every passing period the main staircase is flooded with students trying to make way to their next class.  Among all of the hustle and bustle however there is a select group set back from the crowd, hanging out on the stoop.  Every year the new senior class takes over the stoop as a somewhat unspoken tradition here at SHS.  But why the stoop?  Why the senior class?

    The boys who hang out on the stoop claim that it is somewhere to sit and relax.  It is somewhere for them to get together between classes and catch up with their friends.  The stoop provides a central meeting point for the boys in one of the most active hallways in the school.

    Math teacher Mr. Forde also spends a majority of passing periods at the stoop.  Forde said, “It’s the only intersection area to stand with space out of the way and over the years they are more respectful getting to class on time and not lingering around.”

    But why are all of the “stoop-kids” senior boys?  Junior Dan Foster said, “I’ve been there a few times, not sure if I’m stoop worthy though.”  Although Foster admitted to this in a sarcastic tone, that is a lingering question throughout the school.  Are underclassmen and girls intimidated to hangout at the stoop between passing periods?

    Senior Amy McQuaid said, “I’m not intimidated to go to the stoop I just don’t have time between classes.”

    Many girls at SHS will agree with McQuaid saying that they do not know how boys have time to hangout at the stoop because they do not even pass the main staircase between every passing period.  Even freshman Heidi Martin said, “No, I’m not afraid of the boys there, but none of my friends hangout there so I don’t.”

    To answer our question, underclassmen are not “afraid” of the stoop, they are simply respecting senior tradition.  Every grade looks forward to the year that they can come together with their friends on the stoop with a sense of class pride.  The new senior class will claim it as their own with dignity and accomplishment next year.  Seniors are able to feel on top because they have finally earned their spot at the stoop.